School walking bus is built to last

Children at Worcesters Primary School in Goat Lane, Enfield EN1 are being escorted to school by two paid playground leaders who work at the school.

The decision to pay the two leaders was made by the school governors and head teacher and it was welcomed by parents and local residents at a recent consultation meeting on the school’s expansion.

Head teacher, Karen Jaeggi, said, “This school started to accept additional children this September and as part of the expansion plan we want to do all we can to cut traffic congestion.

“We have therefore agreed to pay our escorts who will be offering the bus service every morning for up to 20 children. Walking buses are often run by volunteers, but as time goes by they become increasingly unreliable.

“We want to ensure that our bus endures and have set aside some funds to pay our escorts and recognise that they are performing an important task. We will also be applying to Enfield Council’s Residents Priority Fund which supports local projects requested by residents to help us sustain this project.”

Cllr Ayfer Orhan, Enfield’s cabinet member for children and young people, said, “I applaud this decision. The children will reach school safely and get regular exercise making friends on their way. They know the playground leaders who will be wearing high visibility jackets and they will be wearing brightly coloured sashes. This is a positive approach that contributes to the school’s expansion plans.”